Rice Epicurean Markets

is this place for real, went in for 2 baking potatoes, thought it would be faster than going to HEB and it was $ 5.01 for 2 potatoes, that’s crazy. i don’t know how they stay in business. they have nothing that i can’t find in heb or central market for less, never again.

I appreciate that this grocery store delivers for the sake of the people in the neighborhood that may not be able to make it to the grocery store specifically elderly people with a lot of money. Specifically those with money because everything in the store is almost twice as much as anywhere else, and I’m sure the cost for delivery is pretty high. They have good fresh bagels and some other nice things that other stores dont have, like some of the biggest olives I’ve ever seen.
I told the cashier I did not need a bag– I had two bagels and a cucumber– she gave me a bag anyway. When I took my things out of the bag and left it there saying I don’t need the bag, she took it and threw it away –wasteful… this is the same cashier at the front of the store that looked at me when I came in and then looked away without saying hello.
So I’m not totally impressed with the service and it’s too expensive… but it’s a quick in and out if you don’t mind paying extra.

Honestly, I’m surprised this place is still standing, or that the whole chain hasn’t closed. I rarely stop in this Fountainview location, but if I do, I usually walk out scratching my head with nothing in tow.
I understand they carry specialty items, and hard to find cooking stuff, fine cheeses, See’s chocolates and on and on, but do they have to completely rip people off for them? With most of today’s major grocery stores carrying specialty items and places like Fresh Market and Sprouts poping up everywhere much some of the same products at much lower prices. Each time I go into Rice, which is just usually to try and get something quick for lunch, its completely dead. I walked in on Tuesday to try and find a sandwich and some sweets for the office. A REGULAR white bread chicken salad sandwich was $ 8. It looked like tomato had died, and the lettuce was wilted. A side of pasta was $ 7. Cookies or sweets-​forget it. A four pack of cookies were $ 8. The same 6 pack they sell at Kroger, Randalls or HEB for $ 2.99. They have large specialty cakes/​pies for $ 50.00. Flavored coffee $ 10+, similar coffee at HEB for $ 6. No thanks, I’ll pass.

I only come here because it’s never crowded. But the last 3 times, I’ve either found nothing I was shopping for, or it was all marked up way higher than most groceries. I was raised to buy from the kinds of places that cost a bit more. But I can’t handle gouged prices and a poor selection.

This is the best grocery in Houston! I have shopped here for years and this is the best. No forced path through the store, you pick your aisle and go for it. You will find all those special ingredients for those special recipes you have been dying to try! I love their selection of cheeses and they carry Abruzzese! If you travel you know what I mean! And fever tree ginger ale! Woohoo! On that!
The bakery is divine! The OMG cupcakes are all that and more! The chocolate and red velvet are my ultimate favs! The breads are fresh and tasty. Try the olive loaf, it is perfection! They carry pork tenderloins that are too good to describe! Stuffed with cream cheese and jalapeños this is such a treat for the senses you simply must try!
All this and all of your every day basics too. Love their line of cleaning products. Lavender is my scent and oh so many products to choose from. My whole house has that wonderful fresh aroma on cleaning day!
Beautiful selection of fruits and vegetables and fresh herbs too! You should get their rice food discount card. Really worth the simple effort to sign up for. I cannot forget to say that if you are looking for a nice drink to go with your dinner then stop by the very interesting selection of wines, champagnes, and beers. You will find the perfect accompanying libation.

This location is getting a makeover! I would never do my normal grocery shopping here, too pricey for that but it’s so convenient to pick up a few items you need because you can run in and out in just a few minutes.
You must have their shopper’s card or else you are getting ripped off.

Killer Brownies Rock! If you like caramel than these brownies are the best ever. They are thick brownies with a caramel center. You can’t eat one in a single sitting and most definitely need coffee or milk to wash it down. There are so many different flavors to try. These are the same price as those fancy cupcakes at crave or sprinkle but infinitely better. They require more skill than a cupcake and the ingredients are higher in quality.
I like Rice Epicurean when I am looking for gourmet and imported items. The regular produce/​shelf products are a bit pricier but I don’t usually go for those items. I go for stuff I can’t find at a normal grocery store. There prepared food counter is really one of the better places to pick up ready made food. It is always gourmet level cuisine. I picked up some of their polenta cakes and also some of their salad stuff. Really delicious.

Great chicken salad, great pimento cheese and now Sakowitz shrimp salad

This place definitely is not for me. I understand lots or organic foods and such but everything seems to be like 30% over what you can get at already mediocre priced Krogers and Randalls. I know that I’m probably comparing apples to oranges but I would have figured that SOME things would be almost level with them but no.
The people are very very friendly. I can tell that they are very selective in their employment practices (which can never be said for Kroger’s, Randalls, etc) but I guess that’s why one pays the high prices for the cleanliness and the customer service here.